Evangel’s Peyton "Pops" Houston offers details of his NIL deal with Leaf

It happened so swiftly it almost caught Peyton “Pops” Houston off guard.

Landing his first Name, Image and Likeness deal as a freshman at Evangel Christian Academy was something only dreams are made of. But it is happening more and more often for an ever increasing number of student-athletes across the country.

Houston, already touted as one of the most talented quarterbacks to roll through Northwest Louisiana’s elite quarterback history (think Terry Bradshaw, Joe Ferguson and Dak Prescott), signed what was termed “a life-changing” exclusive multi-year trading card deal with Leaf Trading Cards.

“It feels great,” Houston told the USA TODAY Network. “I was very surprised, but it was a dream come true.”

BOOTY TO ULM:Here’s how ULM landed OU transfer and Shreveport native General Booty

GOOD OR BAD?Will NIL deals be good or bad for Louisiana high school athletics? So far in Shreveport there's no agreement

Financial details of the commitment weren’t disclosed, but it is a five-year deal that should carry the young man through his freshman season in college.

The deal was negotiated by Institute For Athletes and Lionheart Sports Agency, according to a release.

The 6-foot, 185-pound speedster is expected to make a quick impact for ECA coach Denny Duron this fall. Holding offers from Ole Miss, Texas Tech, Louisiana Tech, Houston, Arkansas, Miami and Purdue, among others, Houston recently enjoyed his first spring on Broadacres Road.

“We’re just keeping our heads down and working hard,” Houston said. “We should have a strong team this fall if we continue to do that.”

Houston recently toured the Leaf facilities in Dallas where the cards and stickers are made. Houston will be required to sign stickers that will be attached to football cards bearing his likeness.

Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports him for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.